HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 cc235-6W
92. Mr. R. Bell

asked the Minister of Education how far she is responsible for the provision and control of schools for deaf and dumb children; and what proportion of such establishments receives subvention from her Vote.

Miss Horsbrugh

Schools aproved by me as special schools for any category of handicapped children may be maintained

Project Finishing date* estimated by the local education authority Number of places Capital Cost
£
Potter Street County Primary School December, 1953 560 87,780
Mark Hall County Primary School No. 3 December, 1953 560 87,780
Little Parndon and Hare Street County Primary School, No. 1 August, 1954 560 87,780
Little Parndon and Hare Street County Primary School, No. 2 August, 1954 560 87,780
Nettleswell County Secondary School August, 1955 450 135,000
* These dates refer to teaching accommodation only. The total accommodation to be provided may not be available when the schools are first occupied.

by local education authorities or by voluntary bodies. All such schools must comply with the requirements in Regulations made under Section 33 of the Education Act, 1944. The cost of education and, if necessary, maintenance of children at special schools is met by local education authorities and their expenditure ranks for grant from my Ministry in the usual way.

93. Mr. R. Bell

asked the Minister of Education, aproximately, how many deaf and dumb children are being educated in special schools in England and Wales; how many are awaiting admission; and what is the average age of admission.

Miss Horsbrugh

In January, 1952, 3,651 totally deaf children were being educated in schools approved by me as special schools; in December, 1951, 429 deaf children were known to be awaiting admission. I have no information about the average age of admission, but in general the aim is to secure the admission of children born deaf to special schools as soon after the age of two as possible.

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